Travis Schlenk will get an early start at his new job.
On the same day that the Golden State Warriors begin play in the NBA Finals, the organization’s third consecutive trip to the championship series, Schlenk will take over the Hawks.
The Hawks announced the hire of Schlenk as the team’s new general manager and head of basketball operations Thursday. After Schlenk spent the past 12 seasons with the Warriors, including the past five as assistant general manager, he will begin his new duties June 1. The Warriors host the winner of the Boston Celtics-Cleveland Cavaliers series in Game 1 on the same day.
“I am humbled by the opportunity to join the Hawks and thankful to Tony Ressler and his ownership team for trusting me with this responsibility,” Schlenk said in a statement released by the Hawks. “The passion of the ownership team was evident throughout the process, and the team’s high standard aligns with organizations I’ve been part of and plan to emulate in Atlanta. I am excited to get started and look forward to collaborating with the team to build a first-class, championship-level franchise with a goal of sustained success.
“I would also like to thank Joe Lacob, Bob Myers, Steve Kerr, Larry Riley and Jerry West for being great mentors, strong advocates and friends during my time with Golden State, and for helping me prepare to serve in this role.”
The Hawks will hold an introductory news conference June 2.
Schlenk assisted Warriors president of basketball operations and general manager Bob Myers in the day-to-day operations of the basketball team. He was also the team’s director of player personnel for two years after five seasons as an assistant coach and video scout. As part of his 16-year NBA career, Schlenk also worked for the Miami Heat and Orlando Magic. He spent one season as director of basketball operations at UGA.
“After meeting with Travis, our search committee and I knew that he was the right choice to become the new general manager and head of basketball operations for the Atlanta Hawks,” Ressler said in a statement. “In addition to his significant experience with two organizations that have built championship cultures, he is ready to lead our basketball operations at a critical time for making big decisions as we prepare for the 2017-2018 season and beyond.
“We conducted a very thorough search process and believe Travis shares our vision for the team and the ability to implement it as we continue working hard to reach our commitment to bring a championship to Atlanta. We appreciate the willingness of Joe Lacob and Bob Myers of Golden State for allowing Travis and his family to join the Hawks.”
Schlenk comes from the highly successful Warriors organization. They have compiled a 207-39 (.841) regular-season record the past three years, the best three-year run in NBA history.
The Warriors drafted two-time NBA MVP Stephen Curry, two-time All-NBA selection Klay Thompson, two-time All-Defensive first-team pick Draymond Green and Harrison Barnes. They also acquired 2015 Finals MVP Andre Iguodala via trade and signed 2014 MVP Kevin Durant.
“While it’s hard to see Travis leave our organization, this is a terrific opportunity for him,” Myers said in a statement. “He’s one of the bright, young executives in the league and someone who has played a major role in our success over the last several years. His attention to detail, leadership ability and work ethic are traits that will serve him well in his new role with the Hawks. They are fortunate to have him and will benefit greatly from his presence in the organization.”
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